Monday, January 31, 2011

More Happenings in Toronto: A Conference of Interest

by Mary Kate Hurley

Anyone who knows me knows how attached I am to the Anglo-Saxon Studies Colloquium. And given the recent visit of Jeffrey to Toronto, it seems a good moment to call attention to the Seventh Annual ASSC Graduate Student Conference: Crises of Categorization, to be held at the University of Toronto on February 12.

Now, I'm always a little sentimental about this conference: after all, way back in 2005, it was the very first conference I organized. And what a long way it has come: in addition to now boasting a very nice Conference Website, this year marks the first time the grad conference has been held at an international location!

Organized by University of Toronto graduate students Peter Buchanan and Colleen Butler, "Crises of Categorization" will take place on February 12th at the Centre for Medieval Studies. This year's conference has three panels: "Transhistorical Anglo-Saxon England," "Storms Within and Without," and "Sex and Magic in Anglo-Saxon England." In addition to a number of really wonderful presenters (many of whom I know, some that I only know of), the conference has lined up respondents to each paper, which in past conferences has facilitated some really intriguing dialogue between presenters, responders, and participants in the event.

It looks to be a great event, and in the past has been a wonderful opportunity for graduate students and professors alike to discuss current work and new trends in Anglo-Saxon studies -- hope to see you there!